Okanagan Falls

The small community of Okanagan Falls is situated on the south shore of Skaha Lake in the Thompson Okanagan‘s Okanagan Valley. It is popular with locals and visitors alike for its swimming and water sports and is surrounded with an abundance of things to see and do. Located in Okanagan wine country you can travel north or south and be spoiled for choice for wine tasting. The best thing to do is pick up a brochure to help you decide. Okanagan Provincial Park is nearby and is well-known among naturalists for its superb bird watching, wildlife viewing, nature study, photography opportunities and a variety of bats. Experience the Kettle Valley Railway Trail Network which travels through vineyards, orchards, and wineries, and offers unparalleled views of Okanagan Lake. This historic former railway is shared by the Trans-Canada Trail and is ideal for walking or cycling.

Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, Photo Kim Walker

The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory operated by the National Research Council of Canada is located just outside of Okanagan Falls and is internationally known for its research into radio astronomy. The radio telescopes here are used to study the universe and its origins. Visitors can take a self-guided tour.

And while in Okanagan Falls you have to try the famous Tickleberry’s ice cream, chocolates and more. It will keep you coming back!

Location

Okanagan Falls is located on Hwy 97 at the southern end of Skaha Lake in the south Okanagan, 28 km (17 mi) north of Oliver and 26 km (16 mi) south of Penticton.

A Step Back in Time

Located on the southern end of Skaha Lake in the Okanagan Valley, and known locally as OK Falls, the little community of Okanagan Falls was originally known as Dogtown, from the Okanagan Indian word Skaha (meaning dog), after which the nearby Skaha Lake was named.

The actual Okanagan Falls were reduced to gentle rapids many years ago with the construction of the flood control dam in the 1950s to control the level of water flowing south in the Okanagan River.

The museum in Okanagan Falls was once the little grey Bassett House. It was ordered from the T. Eaton and Company catalogue in 1909 by the pioneer Bassett family, which operated a freight and stagecoach company in the area. Arriving in prefabricated kit form at Okanagan Lake by rail, the house crossed the lake on a sternwheeler and was carried the rest of the way to Okanagan Falls by horse-drawn wagon.